SafeEyes is an application that tries to protect your eyes from eye strain (asthenopia) by reminding you to take breaks while you're working long hours at the computer. It was created as a free and open source Linux alternative for EyeLeo, a Windows-only app.

SafeEyes is an AppIndicator / tray app, and from its menu you can enable or disable it and access its settings.

Besides reminding you to take breaks regularly, SafeEyes also provides simple exercises:

The breaks can include a skip button, or can be set to be strict, removing the "skip" button and thus, forcing you to take a break.

The application includes both short and long breaks, each with configurable duration. You can also configure the interval between breaks and the time to prepare for break - when a break is about to start, a notification is displayed.

Furthermore, the skip button text can be changed by editing the ~/.config/safeeyes/safeeyes.json file, while the break screen can be modified by editing the ~/.config/safeeyes/style/safeeyes_style.css file. These files are created after running SafeEyes once.

SafeEyes features:

short breaks with eye exercises;

long breaks to change physical position and to warm up;

optional stict break that removes the skip button;

highly customizable

do not disturb when working with fullscreen applications (e.g. watching movies);

disable the keyboard during break;

notifications before every break;

multi-workspace support.

Install SafeEyes in Ubuntu or Linux Mint

The bug that was causing the app not to work in Ubuntu 16.10 has been fixed!

SafeEyes can be installed in Ubuntu 16.10, 16.04 or 14.04 / Linux Mint 18 (it appears it does not work in Linux Mint 17.x), by using its official PPA. To add the PPA and install the application, use the following commands: